Small black-and-white woodpecker; males have a red patch at the back of the head.
How to recognize it
Small black-and-white woodpecker; males have a red patch at the back of the head.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Trees and wooded gardens. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Insects and larvae; some seeds. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Year-round.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Retain safe dead wood where appropriate; consult an arborist for hazards.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.